The SPFs I’m Using This Summer

02/08/17

Fortunately, we are far more aware of the need to wear sun protection than ever before. As a teenager I didn’t get it, I thought the only way I would tan would be to wear the lowest SPF, or nothing at all. Add to that, that my mum has never set a good example and still to this day I tell her to wear SPF and she ignores me. I’m now utterly convinced and wish I’d been more vigilant as a teenager. I can now see the damage I’ve done in the past and have been spending more and more time lately looking for ways to reverse the damage. My advice to those of you that are unsure of whether you need to, wear sunscreen! UVA rays cause ageing and wrinkles, whilst UVB rays cause redding and sunburn, they’re also a contributing factor in the development of skin cancer. This is why it’s important to wear broad spectrum sun protection as it will protect you from both.

This holiday I’ve been using some really great SPF products that I would highly recommend. On my body I’ve been using Guinot High Protection Sun Oil SPF 50. It’s a dry oil which means it’s absorbed quickly and you won’t be left feeling like an oil-slicked body builder, instead my skin has been left feeling nicely moisturised. It comes in a spray which is quite handy, a few spritzes all over, a light rub and you’re done. It’s also good for those hard to reach places like your back. It just doesn’t work upside-down. I’ve been covering myself every morning and then topping up throughout the day after a swim or just later on when I feel like I need it. I’ve used half a bottle in one week. And don’t be fooled into thinking that low SPF means you’ll tan quicker, I’ve been using SPF 50 and I’m still going brown, I’ve just not burnt once.

I’ve also been using Guinot High Protection Sun Spray SPF 30 when we head out in the afternoons. I think this is possibly my favourite although I’ve not used it as much due to the lower SPF. It’s a bit like a deodorant can but for sun protection. You can barely tell you’re wearing it and it’s so easy to use. My only concern is that it seems to go down quickly.

On my face I’ve been using two different SPFs by the pool, Caudalie Anti-Aging Face Suncare SPF 50 and Guinot Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF 50+. Both are really good, there’s not much in it. Neither leave your skin greasy or white, and both are quickly absorbed. My skin looks moisturised but not too shiny after using them. Whenever we’ve been out for the day I’ve used the Guinot Newhite Brightening UV Shield SPF 50 (which I wrote about in my last beauty post). It gives a little bit of coverage, evening out skin tone so I feel like I’m not completely bare skinned; I’m not a fan of wearing make-up in the heat.

I’ve been using a couple of hair protectors. I recently started using Bumble and Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil – Heat/UV Protective Primer as a heat protector before using my hairdryer or styling tools. I noticed before I came away that it’s also a UV protector so it kills two birds with one stone; I love a multi-use product. I’d say it’s a light, pleasant smelling lotion rather than an oil. It goes on easily with the spary and doesn’t leave your hair greasy. The other product I’ve been using and have done for years is Sachajuan Hair In The Sun. You can apply it to wet or dry hair, I usually use it as a styling product to tame my hair in the evening after I’ve washed and dried it. So again, it’s a great two in one product.

And finally, I’ve been wearing this classic Panama from Davina Mulford! You might have seen it in quite a few of my photos on Instagram.